Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Glazed Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Sizzling summer days call for mouth-watering BBQ glazed baby back ribs that melt in your mouth with every savory bite.

These tender ribs dripping with smoky-sweet goodness promise to be the star of any backyard gathering.

Slow-cooked to perfection, they boast a rich, caramelized exterior that seals in incredible flavor.

The secret lies in a carefully crafted glaze that balances tangy and sweet notes, creating an irresistible coating.

Meat lovers will appreciate the fall-off-the-bone texture that makes these ribs an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Weekend grill masters can easily master this recipe with a few simple techniques.

Get ready to elevate your barbecue game and become the neighborhood grilling champion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

BBQ Glazed Baby Back Ribs: Ingredient Breakdown

• Baby Back Ribs: Succulent, tender cut perfect for slow cooking with rich marbling for maximum flavor. Choose fresh, pink-colored ribs with minimal discoloration.
• Olive Oil: Creates a protective base layer in slow cooker, prevents sticking and helps seasoning adhere. Select high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.

• Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Magical spice combination that builds deep, smoky-sweet flavor profile. Opt for fresh, fragrant spices from reliable brands to enhance overall taste experience.

• BBQ Sauce: Provides caramelized, tangy coating that transforms ribs from delicious to extraordinary. Choose a robust, balanced sauce with balanced sweetness and tang. Homemade or premium store-bought varieties work wonderfully.

Grill Tools That Handle Baby Back Ribs Right

• Slow cooker: Essential for tender, low-and-slow cooking of the ribs.
• Large baking sheet: Lined with foil for easy cleanup and final glazing.
• Knife: Used to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the dry rub spices.
• Pastry brush: Helps evenly coat ribs with BBQ sauce.
• Oven or broiler: Provides the final caramelization and glaze.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing and portioning the ribs.

How to Glaze and Roast BBQ Ribs Like a Pitmaster

• Membrane Removal Gently pull off the tough back skin using a butter knife, creating a smooth surface for seasoning.
• Spice Blend Magic Mix together a combination of sweet and savory spices that will dance across the meat, creating a flavor explosion.
• Slow Cooking Transformation Nestle the seasoned ribs into a slow cooker, generously coating them with rich BBQ sauce. Let them simmer slowly, transforming into melt-in-your-mouth goodness over several hours.
• Caramelization Finale Transfer the tender ribs to a baking sheet and paint them with a glossy layer of BBQ sauce. Send them under the broiler or into a hot oven, watching as the sauce turns into a sticky, beautiful glaze that promises incredible flavor.
• Serving Celebration Slice the ribs into mouth-watering portions, arranging them on a platter with extra sauce on the side for those who love an extra flavor punch.

Rib Rubs, Sauces & Extras You Should Try

• Select baby back ribs with good marbling and a fresh appearance from a trusted butcher to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Use paper towels for better grip when pulling off the membrane, which helps seasonings penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Experiment with different spice combinations like adding smoked chipotle powder, cumin, or replacing cayenne with red pepper flakes for unique flavor profiles.
• Create a homemade BBQ sauce by mixing store-bought sauce with honey, bourbon, or fruit preserves to elevate the glazing complexity.
• Replace slow cooker with oven method by wrapping ribs in foil and baking at 275°F for 3-4 hours, then finish with broiling for caramelization.

Plating Up Ribs That Wow Your Guests

• Pair with Zesty Coleslaw: Whip up a tangy, crunchy coleslaw that cuts through the richness of the ribs. Shred cabbage and carrots, then toss with a creamy dressing made from mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey.
• Create a Loaded Potato Side: Serve alongside crispy baked potatoes topped with sour cream, chives, and crumbled bacon. This hearty companion adds extra comfort to your BBQ feast.
• Set Up a Casual Dining Experience: Spread out some butcher paper on the table, provide plenty of napkins, and set out cold beverages. Encourage guests to dig in with their hands and enjoy the messy, delicious experience of eating BBQ ribs.
• Offer Fresh Corn on the Cob: Grill corn and brush with herb butter for a classic summer side that complements the smoky flavor of the ribs perfectly.

Tips to Store BBQ Ribs Without Sacrificing Flavor

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Maximize Freshness: Refrigerated ribs stay delicious for 3-4 days. Keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator to extend their quality and taste.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Slice ribs into individual portions before freezing. Place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ribs remain tasty for up to 3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated ribs in the oven at 250°F (120°C) wrapped in foil for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of BBQ sauce to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain meat's tenderness and flavor.

Smoky BBQ Glazed Baby Back Ribs Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Smoky BBQ glazed baby back ribs promise a mouthwatering journey through classic American barbecue traditions. Succulent meat with tangy sauce invites diners to savor each tender, caramelized bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 racks baby back ribs
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) smoked paprika
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Membrane Removal: Detach the protective membrane from the posterior side of the ribs by sliding a knife underneath and peeling it away completely.
2. Seasoning Preparation: Blend brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into a comprehensive spice mixture.
3. Rib Seasoning: Massage the spice blend thoroughly across the entire rib surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage that penetrates every surface.
4. Slow Cooker Preparation: Lightly coat the slow cooker interior with olive oil to prevent adhesion and facilitate easy removal of the cooked ribs.
5. Cooking Process: Segment the ribs to fit comfortably in the slow cooker, douse generously with barbecue sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until meat becomes exceptionally tender.
6. Finishing Touch: Transfer the cooked ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with additional barbecue sauce, and caramelize under a 425°F oven or high-intensity broiler for 5-7 minutes to create a glistening exterior.
7. Serving: Slice the ribs into individual portions and serve immediately, providing extra barbecue sauce for dipping and enhancing the culinary experience.

Notes

• Membrane Removal Technique: Completely remove the tough silver skin from ribs to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and better sauce absorption.
• Spice Blend Mastery: Create a balanced seasoning mix by evenly combining dry ingredients, ensuring no clumping and consistent flavor distribution across the entire rack of ribs.
• Slow Cooking Precision: Use low and slow cooking method to break down tough connective tissues, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tender meat that’s incredibly juicy and flavorful.
• Finishing Glaze Secret: Caramelize the barbecue sauce during the final broiling stage to develop a rich, sticky exterior with deep, complex flavor notes that elevate the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg